Arthroscopic devices and methods

ABSTRACT

An arthroscopic or other surgical system includes a handpiece and a probe. The handpiece carries a motor drive, and the probe has a proximal hub and an elongate shaft which extends about a longitudinal axis to a working end of the probe. The hub is configured for detachably coupling to the handpiece, and the motor drive is configured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in the hub when the hub is coupled to the handpiece. A first magnetic component is carried by the hub, and a second magnetic component is coupled to rotate with the rotating drive coupling.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No.62/326,544 (Attorney Docket No. 41879-725.101), filed on Apr. 22, 2016,the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to surgical systems and their use, such as anarthroscopic and other endoscopic tissue cutting and removal systemwherein a motor-driven electrosurgical device is provided for cuttingand removing bone or soft tissue from a joint or other site. Morespecifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for deviceidentification, monitoring, and control, such as controlled operationalstopping and starting of motor-driven components in default positions.

2. Description of the Background Art

In arthroscopic, endoscopic, and other surgical procedures includingsubacromial decompression, anterior cruciate ligament reconstructioninvolving notchplasty, and arthroscopic resection of theacromioclavicular joint, there is a need for cutting and removal of boneand soft tissue. Currently, surgeons use arthroscopic shavers and burrshaving rotational cutting surfaces to remove hard tissue in suchprocedures.

To promote efficiency, endoscopic tool systems including a reusablehandpiece and a selection of interchangeable tool probes havingdifferent working ends have been proposed. Such working ends may eachhave two or more functionalities, such as soft tissue removal and hardtissue resection, so such tools systems can provide dozens of specificfunctionalities, providing great flexibility.

While a significant advantage, the need for one tool system toaccommodate such flexibility is a challenge. In particular, it isnecessary that the handpiece and control unit for the system be providedwith correct information on the identity of the tool probe that has beenattached as well as the operational parameters of the tool probe duringuse.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improvedsurgical systems and methods for their use, such as improvedarthroscopic tissue cutting and removal system wherein a motor-drivenelectrosurgical device is provided for cutting and removing bone or softtissue from a joint or other site. It is a further object invention toprovide improved systems and methods for device identification,monitoring, and control, such as controlled operational stopping andstarting of motor-driven components in default positions. At least someof these objectives will be met by the inventions described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved apparatus and methods foridentifying and controlling working components, such as motor-driven andother powered components, of surgical systems, particularly forarthroscopic and other surgical systems including (1) handpieces havingmotor drive units and (2) probes which are selectively and removablyattached to the handpieces. In exemplary embodiments, the presentinvention provides methods and systems which rely on magnets andmagnetic sensors for providing information to system controllers both ina static mode, where a endoscopic or other tool is not being driven, andin a dynamic mode, where the tool is being driven by the motor drive. Inparticular embodiments, the magnets are permanent magnets having Northpoles and South poles, where the magnets are typically mounted on orotherwise attached or coupled to components of a detachable probeforming part of an arthroscopic system, and the sensors are Hall sensorswhich are in the handpiece of the arthroscopic system. By using multiplemagnets and multiple sensors, different types of information can beprovided to the system controller, such as identification of the tool inthe detachable probe, operating characteristics of the probe, systemcalibration information, and the like. While the exemplary embodimentsof present invention typically rely on magnetic sensors, static anddynamic data acquisition from the tool probe to the associatedcontroller and be accomplished with other sensors as well, such asoptical sensors which are able to read information in both a static modeand in a dynamic mode.

In a first aspect of the present invention, an arthroscopic systemcomprises a handpiece and a probe. The handpiece includes a motor drive,and the probe has a proximal hub and an elongate shaft which extendsabout a longitudinal axis to a working end of the probe. The hub isconfigured for detachably coupling to the handpiece, and the motor driveis configured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in the hub when thehub is coupled to the handpiece. A first magnetic component is carriedby the hub, and a second magnetic component is coupled to rotate withthe rotating drive coupling.

In specific aspects, the hub may be configured for detachable couplingto the handpiece in opposing rotational orientations, such as anorientation where a working end of the probe is facing upwardly and asecond orientation where the working end of the probe is facingdownwardly relative to the handpiece. In such embodiments, the firstmagnetic component may comprise first and second independent magnets,typically permanent magnets have North poles and South poles, disposedin or on opposing sides of the hub and spaced outwardly from thelongitudinal axis. The first and second independent magnets of the firstmagnetic component will typically have a “polar orientation,” forexample the North poles will be oriented in opposite directions relativeto said axis. Typically, though not necessarily, the first and secondindependent magnets may have similar magnetic field strengths. In suchembodiments, the handpiece may further comprise a first sensorconfigured for “statically” sensing a magnetic field of the first orsecond independent magnets when located adjacent the first sensor. By“statically” sensing, it is meant that the magnets do not need to bemoving relative to the sensor. The sensor will thus be able to generatea signal indicating whether the working end is in its upward-facingorientation or its downward-facing orientation. The first sensor may befurther configured for generating a probe identification signal based onthe magnetic field strength (or other magnetic characteristic) whichcorrelates a probe type with different magnetic field strengths,typically by using a look-up table maintained in an associatedcontroller.

In still other embodiments, the second magnetic component comprisesthird and fourth independent magnets disposed in or on opposing sides ofthe rotating drive coupling. The third and fourth independent magnets ofthe second magnetic component will typically have North poles inopposing orientations relative to said axis, usually in a manner similarto the first and second independent magnets. The handpiece will furthercomprise a second sensor configured for sensing a magnetic field of thethird or fourth independent magnets as the magnet comes into proximityto the second sensor. In this way, the second sensor can dynamicallysense and generate a signal indicating a rotational parameter of therotating drive coupling. For example, the rotational parameter maycomprise a rotational position of the drive coupling. Alternatively oradditionally, the rotational parameter may comprise a rotational speedof the drive coupling based on the rotational positioning over a timeinterval.

These arthroscopic and other surgical systems may be further configuredfor determining orientation of the motor-driven component so that theworking end can be stopped in a desired position. For example, thesecond magnetic component carried by the drive coupling may be in afixed predetermined rotational relationship to a motor-driven componentin the working end. In this way, a rotational positioning of thecomponent in the working end van be controlled based on the rotationalposition of the drive coupling.

Such systems of the present invention may further comprise a controllerconfigured to receive the signals generated by the sensors and providemonitoring and control of the endoscopic or other surgical tool based onthe received signals. For example, by receiving signals generated by thefirst sensor within the hub, at least one of probe-orientation and probeidentification can be determined. Similarly, by receiving signalsgenerated by the second sensor within the hub, the controller may beconfigured to monitor and/or control the motor speed and otheroperational characteristics.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for performing anarthroscopic procedure comprises providing a system including ahandpiece with a sensor. The system further comprises a probe having aproximal hub, a longitudinal axis, and a working end. The hub typicallycarries first and second magnets having North and South poles. The hubis selectively coupled to the handpiece with the working end of theprobe in either an upward orientation or a downward orientation. Thefirst magnet is located proximately to sensor when the working end is inthe upward orientation, and the second magnet is located proximately tosensor when the working end is in the down orientation. In this way, anupward orientation or a downward orientation of the working end can bedetermined based on whether a North pole or a South pole of the magnetis proximate to the sensor. Such “orientational” information is used fora variety of purposes, including selecting a controller algorithm foroperating the probe based on the identified orientation of the workingend.

In a third aspect of the present invention, an arthroscopic or othersurgical method comprises providing a system including a handpiece witha sensor. The system further comprises a probe with a proximal hub, alongitudinal axis, and a working end. The hub will carry first andsecond magnets of similar strengths and having North and South poles.The hub is coupled to the handpiece, and a magnetic strength of either(or both) of the magnets is sensed using a sensor in the handpiece toidentify the probe type based on the sensed magnetic strength.Identification of the probe type is useful for a variety of purposes,including allowing selection of a control algorithm (to be used by acontroller coupled to probe and sensors) to control the working end ofthe tool based on the identified probe type.

In a fourth aspect, an arthroscopic or other surgical procedurecomprises providing a system including a handpiece with a motor drive.The system further comprises a probe having a proximal hub, alongitudinal axis, a rotating drive coupling, and a working end. Therotating drive coupling typically carries first and second magnetshaving North and South poles where each pole is positioned in adifferent orientation relative to the axis. The hub is attached to thehandpiece to couple the motor drive to the rotating drive coupling inthe hub. The rotating drive coupling actuates a motor-driven or othercomponent in the working end, e.g. the motor drive may be activated torotate the drive coupling and actuate the motor-driven component. Avarying magnetic parameter is sensed with a sensor in the handpiece asthe drive coupling rotates in order to generate sensor signals. Arotational position of the drive coupling can thus be determined, andthe corresponding positions of the motor-driven component calculatedusing a positioning algorithm responsive to the sensor signals. Themotor drive can be selectively deactivated at a desired rotationalposition based on the positional information which has been thusdetermined. After deactivating the motor drive, the system candynamically brake the motor drive to thereby stop rotation of the drivecoupling and stop movement of the motor-driven component in a selectivestop position in a highly accurate manner.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, an arthroscopic procedurecomprises providing a system including a handpiece with a motor drive.The system further comprises a probe with a proximal hub and an elongateshaft extending about an axis to a working end. The hub is configuredfor detachable coupling to the handpiece, and the motor drive isconfigured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in the hub. The drivecoupling, in turn, carries first and second magnets with North and Southpoles positioned in different orientations relative to the axis. The hubis coupled to the handpiece, and the motor drive is activated to rotatethe drive coupling and magnets through an arc of at least 180°. Avarying strength of each magnet is then sensed with a sensor in thehandpiece as the drive coupling rotates. A rotational position of thedrive coupling responsive to the varying strength of each magnet can becalibrated in order to increase accuracy in subsequent calculation ofthe sensed strengths of the magnets.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, an arthroscopic procedurecomprises providing a handpiece with a motor drive. The system furthercomprises a probe having a proximal hub and an elongate shaft extendingabout a longitudinal axis to a working end having a motor-drivencomponent. The motor-driven component includes a radio frequency (RF)electrode, and a hub is configured for detachable coupling to thehandpiece. The motor drive is configured to couple to a rotating drivein the coupling of the hub, and the rotating drive coupling isconfigured to carry first and second magnets with North and South polespositioned in different orientations relative to the axis. The hub iscoupled to the handpiece, and the drive coupling and motor-drivencomponent are positioned in a selected stop position. The RF electrodeis typically exposed in the selected stop position and can be introducedto a target site to engage or interface with tissue. RF current is thendelivered to the RF electrode, and a positioning algorithm responsive tosensor signals continuously monitors the rotational position of thedrive coupling and the corresponding position of the motor-drivencomponent and the RF electrode while RF current is being delivered. Suchposition monitoring is useful because it allows the positioningalgorithm to sense a rotation or rotational deviation greater than apredetermined amount, in which case the delivery of RF current to the RFelectrode can be terminated. Additionally or alternatively, thepositioning algorithm can further activate or adjust the motor drive toreturn the RF electrode back to a selected or desired stop position.

In a seventh aspect, an arthroscopic procedure comprises providing ahandpiece with a motor drive and a probe with a proximal hub. Anelongate shaft of the hub extends about an axis to a working end, and amotor driven component in the working end includes an RF electrode. Thehub is configured for detachably coupling to the handpiece, and themotor drive is configured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in thehub. The rotating drive carries first and second magnets with North andSouth poles having different orientations relative to the axis. The hubis coupled to the handpiece, and the drive coupling and motor-drivencomponent may be positioned in a selected stop position. The RFelectrode may be engaged against a target issue surface or interface,and an RF current may be delivered to the RF electrode. Using apositioning algorithm responsive to sensor signals indicating arotational position of the drive coupling, the RF electrode can beoscillated in the range from 20 Hz to 2000 Hz. Often, oscillation of theRF electrode at a rate ranging from 40 Hz to 400 Hz.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention comprises a method forproviding information from a surgical probe to a controller. A hub ofthe probe is attached to a handpiece connected to the controller. Thehub carries indicia, and a first set of data obtained from reading thefirst set of indicia on the hub may be read using a first sensor on thehandpiece, where the first set of data can then be sent to thecontroller. A second set of indicia on the hub is also read using asecond sensor on the handpiece, and a second set of data obtained fromthe second reading may also be sent to the controller. The first set ofdata includes at least one of probe identification information and probeorientation information, and the second set of data includes at leastprobe operational information.

In specific embodiments, the first and/or second set of indicia maycomprise magnets, as taught in any of previously described embodiments.In alternative embodiments, however, the first and/or second sets ofindicia may comprise optical encoding or any other type of data encodingthat can be read using sensors in the handpiece. For example, the firstset of indicia may comprise optical encoding including a scannable codeon a stationary component of the hub, such as a housing. The first setof indicia incorporates said at least one of probe identificationinformation and probe orientation information and can be read when thecode is static relative to the handpiece, typically using a stationaryoptical scanner, such as a bar or 3D code reader. In other examples, thesecond set of indicia may comprise optical encoding configured to beread by a scannable code reader, e.g., markings on a rotatable componentof the hub, wherein at least the probe operational information isconfigured to read from the markings as the rotatable componentdynamically rotates. For example, the markings may be read by an opticalcounter that can determine a rotation speed, such as revolutions perminute (RPM).

In some embodiments, the probe will include a rotary-to-linear converterfor receiving rotary motion from the rotary drive coupling in the huband converting the rotary motion to linear motion, typicallyreciprocating motion, e.g., for driving a reciprocating electrode, areciprocating cutting blade, pivoting a jaw member (where thereciprocating motion can be further converted into pivoting motion), andthe like, as described elsewhere herein. In all such cases, a magnet orother detectable element can be placed on the reciprocating or pivotingelement in addition to, or in some cases in place of, the magnet orother detectable element that is on or otherwise coupled to the rotarydrive coupling in the hub. In such cases, a magnetic or other sensor inthe handpiece will be located to detect linear motion, typically todetermine reciprocation rate, reciprocation distance, or otherperformance parameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to the appended drawings. It should be appreciated that thedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting in scope.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arthroscopic cutting system thatincludes reusable handpiece with a motor drive and a detachablesingle-use cutting probe, wherein the cutting probe is shown in twoorientations as it may be coupled to the handpiece with the probe andworking end in upward orientation or a downward orientation relative tothe handpiece, and wherein the handpiece includes an LCD screen fordisplaying operating parameters of system during use together withcontrol actuators on the handpiece.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the hub of theprobe of FIG. 1 taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 1 with the hub and probein an upward orientation relative to the handpiece, further showing Halleffect sensors carried by the handpiece and a plurality of magnetscarried by the probe hub for device identification, for probeorientation and determining the position of motor driven components ofthe probe relative to the handpiece.

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the hub of FIG. 1 taken along line 2B-2Bof FIG. 1 with the hub and probe in a downward orientation relative tothe handpiece showing the Hall effect sensor and magnets having adifferent orientation compared to that of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of the working end of the probeof FIG. 1 in an upward orientation with the rotatable cutting member ina first position relative to the outer sleeve wherein the window in thecutting member is aligned with the window of the outer sleeve.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the working end of FIG. 1 in an upwardorientation with the rotatable cutting member in a second positionrelative to the outer sleeve wherein the electrode carried by thecutting member is aligned with a centerline of the window of the outersleeve.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a working end of a variation of a probethat may be detachably coupled to the handpiece of FIG. 1, wherein theworking end includes a bone burr extending distally from the outersleeve.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a working end of a variation of a probethat may be detachably coupled to the handpiece of FIG. 1, wherein theworking end has a reciprocating electrode.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a working end of another variation of aprobe that may be detachably coupled to the handpiece of FIG. 1, whereinthe working end has a hook electrode that has extended and non-extendedpositions.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a working end of yet another variationof a probe that may be detachably coupled to the handpiece of FIG. 1,wherein the working end has an openable-closeable jaw structure forcutting tissue.

FIG. 8 is a chart relating to set speeds for a probe with a rotatingcutting member as in FIGS. 1 and 3A that schematically shows the methodused by a controller algorithm for stopping rotation of the cuttingmember in a selected default position.

FIG. 9A is a longitudinal sectional view of a probe hub that is similarto that of FIG. 2A, except the hub of FIG. 9A has an internal cammechanism for converting rotational motion to linear motion to axiallyreciprocate an electrode as in the working end of FIG. 5, wherein FIG.9A illustrated the magnets in the hub and drive coupling are the same asin FIG. 2A and the hub is in an upward facing position relative to thehandpiece.

FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the hub of FIG. 9A rotated 180° in adownward facing position relative to the handpiece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bone cutting and tissue removal devicesand related methods of use. Several variations of the invention will nowbe described to provide an overall understanding of the principles ofthe form, function and methods of use of the devices disclosed herein.In general, the present disclosure provides for variations ofarthroscopic tools adapted for cutting bone, soft tissue, meniscaltissue, and for RF ablation and coagulation. The arthroscopic tools aretypically disposable and are configured for detachable coupling to anon-disposable handpiece that carries a motor drive component. Thisdescription of the general principles of this invention is not meant tolimit the inventive concepts in the appended claims.

In one variation shown in FIG. 1, the arthroscopic system 100 of thepresent invention provides a handpiece 104 with motor drive 105 and adisposable shaver assembly or probe 110 with a proximal hub 120 that canbe received by receiver or bore 122 in the handpiece 104. In one aspect,the probe 110 has a working end 112 that carries a high-speed rotatingcutter that is configured for use in many arthroscopic surgicalapplications, including but not limited to treating bone in shoulders,knees, hips, wrists, ankles and the spine.

In FIGS. 1, 2A and 3A, it can be seen that probe 110 has a shaft 125extending along longitudinal axis 128 that comprises an outer sleeve 140and an inner sleeve 142 rotatably disposed therein with the inner sleeve142 carrying a distal ceramic cutting member 145 (FIG. 3A). The shaft125 extends from the proximal hub 120 wherein the outer sleeve 140 iscoupled in a fixed manner to the hub 120 which can be an injectionmolded plastic, for example, with the outer sleeve 140 insert moldedtherein. The inner sleeve 142 is coupled drive coupling 150 that isconfigured for coupling to the rotating motor shaft 151 of motor driveunit 105. More in particular, the rotatable cutting member 145 that isfabricated of a ceramic material with sharp cutting edges on opposingsides 152 a and 152 b of window 154 therein for cutting soft tissue. Themotor drive 105 is operatively coupled to the ceramic cutter to rotatethe cutting member at speeds ranging from 1,000 rpm to 20,000 rpm. InFIG. 3B, it can be seen that cutting member 145 also carries an RFelectrode 155 in a surface opposing the window 154. The cutting member145 rotates and shears tissue in the toothed opening or window 158 inthe outer sleeve 140 (FIG. 3A). A probe of the type shown in FIG. 1 isdescribed in more detail in co-pending and commonly owned patentapplication Ser. No. 15/421,264 filed Jan. 31, 2017 (Atty. Docket41879-714.201) titled ARTHROSCOPIC DEVICES AND METHODS which isincorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the probe 110 is shown in two orientations fordetachable coupling to the handpiece 104. More particularly, the hub 120can be coupled to the handpiece 104 in an upward orientation indicatedat UP and a downward orientation indicated at DN where the orientationsare 180° opposed from one another. It can be understood that the upwardand downward orientations are necessary to orient the working end 112either upward or downward relative to the handpiece 104 to allow thephysician to interface the cutting member 145 with targeted tissue inall directions without having to manipulate the handpiece in 360° toaccess tissue.

In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the handle 104 is operatively coupled byelectrical cable 160 to a controller 165 which controls the motor driveunit 105. Actuator buttons 166 a, 166 b or 166 c on the handle 104 canbe used to select operating modes, such as various rotational modes forthe ceramic cutting member 145. In one variation, a joystick 168 can bemoved forward and backward to adjust the rotational speed of the ceramiccutting member 145. The rotational speed of the cutter can continuouslyadjustable, or can be adjusted in increments up to 20,000 rpm. An LCDscreen 170 is provided in the handpiece for displaying operatingparameters, such as cutting member RPM, mode of operation, etc.

It can be understood from FIG. 1 that the system 100 and handpiece 104is adapted for use with various disposable probes which can be designedfor various different functions and procedures For example, FIG. 4illustrates a different variation of a probe working end 200A that issimilar to working end 112 of probe 110 of FIGS. 3A-3B, except theceramic cutting member 205 extends distally from the outer sleeve 206and the cutting member has burr edges 208 for cutting bone. The probe ofFIG. 4 is described in more detail in co-pending and commonly ownedpatent application Ser. No. 15/271,184 filed Sep. 20, 2016 (Atty. Docket41879-728.201) titled ARTHROSCOPIC DEVICES AND METHODS. FIG. 5illustrates a different variation of a probe working end 200B with areciprocating electrode 210 in a type of probe described in more detailin co-pending and commonly owned patent application Ser. No. 15/410,723filed Jan. 19, 2017 (Atty. Docket 41879-713.201) titled ARTHROSCOPICDEVICES AND METHODS. In another example, FIG. 6 illustrates anothervariation of a probe working end 200C that has an extendable-retractablehook electrode 212 in a probe type described in more detail inco-pending and commonly owned patent application Ser. No. 15/454,342filed Mar. 9, 2017 (Atty. Docket 41879-715.201) titled ARTHROSCOPICDEVICES AND METHODS. In yet another example, FIG. 7 illustrates avariation of a working end 200D in a probe type having anopenable-closable jaw structure 215 actuated by reciprocating member 218for trimming meniscal tissue or other tissue as described in more detailin co-pending and commonly owned patent application Ser. No. 15/483,940filed Apr. 10, 2017 (Atty. Docket 41879-721.201) titled ARTHROSCOPICDEVICES AND METHODS. All of the probes of FIGS. 4-7 can have a hubsimilar to hub 120 of probe 110 of FIG. 1 for coupling to the samehandpiece 104 of FIG. 1, with some of the probes (see FIGS. 5-7) havinga hub mechanism for converting rotational motion to linear motion. Allof the patent applications just identified in this paragraph areincorporated herein by this reference.

FIG. 1 further shows that the system 100 also includes a negativepressure source 220 coupled to aspiration tubing 222 which communicateswith a flow channel 224 in handpiece 104 and can cooperate with any ofthe probes 110, 200A, 200B or 200C of FIGS. 1-3B, 4, 5 and 6. In FIG. 1it also can be seen that the system 100 includes an RF source 225 whichcan be connected to an electrode arrangement in any of the probes 110,200A, 200B or 200C of FIGS. 1-3B, 4, 5 and 6. The controller 165 andmicroprocessor therein together with control algorithms are provided tooperate and control all functionality, which includes controlling themotor drive 105 to move a motor-driven component of any probe workingend 110, 200A, 200B or 200C, as well as for controlling the RF source225 and the negative pressure source 220 which can aspirate fluid andtissue debris to collection reservoir 230.

As can be understood from the above description of the system 100 andhandpiece 104, the controller 165 and controller algorithms need to beconfigured to perform and automate many tasks to provide for systemfunctionality. In a first aspect, controller algorithms are needed fordevice identification so that when any of the different probes types110, 200A, 200B, 200C or 200D of FIGS. 1 and 4-7 are coupled tohandpiece 104, the controller 165 will recognize the probe type and thenselect algorithms for operating the motor drive 105, RF source 225 andnegative pressure source 220 as is needed for the particular probe. In asecond aspect, the controller is configured with algorithms thatidentify whether the probe is coupled to the handpiece 104 in an upwardor downward orientation relative to the handpiece, wherein eachorientation requires a different subset of the operating algorithms. Inanother aspect, the controller has separate control algorithms for eachprobe type wherein some probes have a rotatable cutter while others havea reciprocating electrode or jaw structure. In another aspect, most ifnot all the probes 110, 200A, 200B, 200C and 200D (FIGS. 1, 4-7) requirea default “stop” position in which the motor-driven component is stoppedin a particular orientation within the working end. For example, arotatable cutter 145 with an electrode 155 needs to have the electrodecentered within an outer sleeve window 158 in a default position such asdepicted in FIG. 3B. Some of these systems, algorithms and methods ofuse are described next.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, it can be seen that handpiece 104carries a first Hall effect sensor 240 in a distal region of thehandpiece 104 adjacent the receiving passageway 122 that receives thehub 120 of probe 110. FIG. 2A corresponds to the probe 110 and workingend 112 in FIG. 1 being in the upward orientation indicated at UP. FIG.2B corresponds to probe 110 and working end 112 in FIG. 1 being in thedownward orientation indicated at DN. The handpiece 104 carries a secondHall effect sensor 245 adjacent the rotatable drive coupling 150 of theprobe 110. The probe 110 carries a plurality of magnets as will bedescribed below that interact with the Hall effect sensors 240, 245 toprovide multiple control functions in cooperation with controlleralgorithms, including (i) identification of the type of probe coupled tothe handpiece, (ii) the upward or downward orientation of the probe hub120 relative to the handpiece 104, and (iii) the rotational position andspeed of rotating drive collar 150 from which a position of eitherrotating or reciprocating motor-driven components can be determined.

The sectional views of FIGS. 2A-2B show that hub 120 of probe 110carries first and second magnets 250 a and 250 b in a surface portionthereof. The Hall sensor 240 in handpiece 104 is in axial alignment witheither magnet 250 a or 250 b when the probe hub 120 is coupled tohandpiece 104 in an upward orientation (FIGS. 1 and 2A) or a downwardorientation (FIGS. 1 and 2B). In one aspect as outlined above, thecombination of the magnets 250 a and 250 b and the Hall sensor 240 canbe used to identify the probe type. For example, a product portfolio mayhave from 2 to 10 or more types of probes, such as depicted in FIGS. 1and 4-7, and each such probe type can carry magnets 250 a, 250 b havinga specific, different magnetic field strength. Then, the Hall sensor 240and controller algorithms can be adapted to read the magnetic fieldstrength of the particular magnet(s) in the probe which can be comparedto a library of field strengths that correspond to particular probetypes. Then, a Hall identification signal can be generated or otherwiseprovided to the controller 165 to select the controller algorithms foroperating the identified probe, which can include parameters foroperating the motor drive 105, negative pressure source 220 and/or RFsource 225 as may be required for the probe type. As can be seen inFIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the probe hub 120 can be coupled to handpiece 104 inupward and downward orientations, in which the North (N) and South (S)poles of the magnets 250 a, 250 b are reversed relative to the probeaxis 128. Therefore, the Hall sensor 240 and associated algorithms lookfor magnetic field strength regardless of polarity to identify the probetype.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A-2B and 3A-3B, the first and second magnets250 a and 250 b with their different orientations of North (N) and South(S) poles relative to central longitudinal axis 128 of hub 120 are alsoused to identify the upward orientation UP or the downward orientationDN of hub 120 and working end 112. In use, as described above, thephysician may couple the probe 110 to the handpiece receiving passageway122 with the working end 112 facing upward or downward based on his orher preference and the targeted tissue. It can be understood thatcontroller algorithms adapted to stop rotation of the cutting member 145in the window 158 of the outer sleeve 104 of working end 112 need to“learn” whether the working end is facing upward or downward, becausethe orientation or the rotating cutting member 145 relative to thehandpiece and Hall sensor 240 would vary by 180°. The Hall sensor 240together with a controller algorithm can determine the orientation UP orthe downward orientation DN by sensing whether the North (N) or South(S) pole of either magnet 250 a or 250 b is facing upwardly and isproximate the Hall sensor 240.

In another aspect of the invention, in probe 110 (FIG. 1) and otherprobes, the motor-driven component of a working end, such as rotatingcutter 145 of working end 112 of FIGS. 1 and 3A-3B needs to stopped in aselected rotational position relative to a cut-out opening or window 158in the outer sleeve 140. Other probe types may have a reciprocatingmember or a jaw structure as described above, which also needs acontroller algorithm to stop movement of a moving component in aselected position, such as the axial-moving electrodes of FIGS. 5-6 andthe jaw structure of FIG. 7. In all probes, the motor drive 105 couplesto the rotating drive coupling 150, thus sensing the rotational positionof the drive coupling 150 can be used to determine the orientation ofthe motor-driven component in the working end. More in particular,referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the drive coupling 150 carries third andfourth magnets 255 a or 255 b with the North (N) and South (S) poles ofmagnets 255 a or 255 b being reversed relative to the probe axis 128.Thus, Hall sensor 245 can sense when each magnet rotates passes the Hallsensor and thereby determine the exact rotational position of the drivecoupling 150 twice on each rotation thereof (once for each magnet 255 a,255 b). Thereafter, a controller tachometer algorithm using a clock candetermine and optionally display the RPM of the drive coupling 150 and,for example, the cutting member 145 of FIG. 3A.

In another aspect of the invention, the Hall sensor 245 and magnets 255a and 255 b (FIGS. 1 and 2A) are used in a set of controller algorithmsto stop the rotation of a motor-driven component of a working end, forexample, cutting member 145 of FIGS. 1 and 3A-3B in a pre-selectedrotational position. In FIG. 3A, it can be seen that the inner sleeve142 and a “first side” of cutting member 145 and window 154 therein isstopped and positioned in the center of window 158 of outer sleeve 140.The stationary position of cutting member 145 and window 154 in FIG. 3Amay be used for irrigation or flushing of a working space to allow formaximum fluid outflow through the probe.

FIG. 3B depicts inner sleeve 142 and a “second side” of cutting member145 positioned about the centerline of window 158 in the outer sleeve140. The stationary or stopped position of cutting member 145 in FIG. 3Bis needed for using the RF electrode 155 to ablate or coagulate tissue.It is important that the electrode 155 is maintained along thecenterline of the outer sleeve window 158 since the outer sleeve 140typically comprises return electrode 260. The position of electrode 155in FIG. 3B is termed herein a “centerline default position”. If thecutting member 145 and electrode 155 were rotated so as to be close toan edge 262 a or 262 b of window 158 in outer sleeve 140, RF currentcould arc between the electrodes 155 and 260 and potentially cause ashort circuit disabling the probe. Therefore, a robust and reliable stopmechanism is required which is described next.

As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the controller 165 canalways determine in real time the rotational position of drive coupling150 and therefore the angular or rotational position of the ceramiccutting member 145 and electrode 155 can be determined. A controlleralgorithm can further calculate the rotational angle of the electrode155 away from the centerline default position as the Hall sensor 245 cansense lessening of magnetic field strength as a magnet 255 a or 255 b inthe drive coupling 150 rotates the electrode 155 away from thecenterline default position. Each magnet has a specified, known strengthand the algorithm can use a look-up table with that lists fieldsstrengths corresponding to degrees of rotation away from the defaultposition. Thus, if the Hall signal responsive to the rotated position ofmagnet 255 a or 255 b drops a specified amount from a known peak valuein the centerline default position, it means the electrode 155 has movedaway from the center of the window 158. In one variation, if theelectrode 155 moves a selected rotational angle away from the centerlineposition during RF energy delivery to the electrode, the algorithm turnsoff RF current instantly and alerts the physician by an aural and/orvisual signal, such as an alert on the LCD screen 170 on handpiece 104and/or on a screen on a controller console (not shown). The terminationof RF current delivery thus prevents the potential of an electrical arcbetween electrode 155 and the outer sleeve electrode 260.

It can be understood that during use, when the electrode 155 is in theposition shown in FIG. 3B, the physician may be moving the energizedelectrode over tissue to ablate or coagulate tissue. During such use,the cutting member 145 and electrode 155 can engage or catch on tissuewhich inadvertently rotate the electrode 155 out of the defaultcenterline position. Therefore, the system provides a controlleralgorithm, herein called an “active electrode monitoring” algorithm,wherein the controller continuously monitors position signals generatedby Hall sensor 245 during RF energy delivery in both an ablation modeand a coagulation mode to determine if the electrode 155 and innersleeve 142 have been bumped off the centerline position. In a variation,the controller algorithms can be configured to then re-activate themotor drive 105 to move the inner sleeve 142 and electrode 155 back tothe default centerline position sleeve if electrode 155 had been bumpedoff the centerline position. In another variation, the controlleralgorithms can be configured to again automatically deliver RF currentto RF electrode 155 when it is moved back to the to the defaultcenterline position. Alternatively, the controller 165 can require thephysician to manually re-start the delivery of RF current to the RFelectrode 155 when it is moved back to the to the centerline position.In an aspect of the invention, the drive coupling 150 and thus magnets255 a and 255 b are attached to inner sleeve 142 and cutting member 145in a pre-determined angular relationship relative to longitudinal axis128 so that the Hall sensor generates signals responsive to magnets 255a, 255 b is the same for all probes within a probe type to thus allowthe controller algorithm to function properly.

Now turning to the stop mechanism or algorithms for stopping movement ofa motor-driven component of working end 112, FIG. 8 schematicallyillustrates the algorithm and steps of the stop mechanism. In onevariation, referring to FIG. 8, the stop mechanism corresponding to theinvention uses (i) a dynamic braking method and algorithm to stop therotation of the inner sleeve 142 and cutting member 145 (FIGS. 1, 3A-3B)in an initial position, and thereafter (ii) a secondary checkingalgorithm is used to check the initial stop position that was attainedwith the dynamic braking algorithm, and if necessary, the stop algorithmcan re-activate the motor drive 105 to slightly reverse (or moveforward) the rotation of drive coupling 150 and inner sleeve 142 asneeded to position the cutting member 145 and electrode 155 within atthe centerline position or within 0° to 5° of the targeted centerlinedefault position. Dynamic braking is described further below. FIG. 8schematically illustrates various aspects of controller algorithms forcontrolling the rotational speed of the cutting member and for stoppingthe cutting member 145 in the default centerline position.

In FIG. 8, it can be understood that the controller 165 is operating theprobe 110 of FIGS. 1 and 3A-3B at a “set speed” which may be a PIDcontrolled, continuous rotation mode in one direction or may be anoscillating mode where the motor drive 105 rotates the cutting member145 in one direction and then reverses rotation as is known in the art.At higher rotational speeds such as 1,000 RPM to 20,000 RPM, it is notpractical or feasible to acquire a signal from Hall sensor 245 thatindicates the position of a magnet 255 a or 255 b in the drive coupling150 to apply a stop algorithm. In FIG. 8, when the physician stopcutting with probe 110 by releasing actuation of an actuator button orfoot pedal, current to the motor drive 105 is turned off. Thereafter,the controller algorithm uses the Hall sensor 245 to monitordeceleration of rotation of the drive coupling 150 and inner sleeve 142until a slower RPM is reached. The deceleration period may be from 10 msto 1 sec and typically is about 100 ms. When a suitable slower RPM isreached which is called a “search speed” herein (see FIG. 8), thecontroller 165 re-activates the motor drive 105 to rotate the drivecoupling at a low speed ranging from 10 RPM to 1,000 RPM and in onevariation is between 50 RPM and 250 RPM. An initial “search delay”period ranging from 50 ms to 500 ms is provided to allow the PIDcontroller to stabilize the RPM at the selected search speed.Thereafter, the controller algorithm monitors the Hall position signalof magnet strength and when the magnet parameter reaches a predeterminedthreshold, for example, when the rotational position of drive coupling150 and electrode 155 correspond to the centerline default position ofFIG. 3B, the control algorithm then applies dynamic braking to instantlystop rotation of the motor drive shaft 151 drive coupling 150 and themotor-driven component of the probe. FIG. 8 further illustrates that thecontroller can check the magnet/drive coupling 150 position after thebraking and stopping steps. If the Hall position signal indicates thatthe motor-driven component is out of the targeted default position, themotor drive 105 can be re-activated to move the motor-driven componentand thereafter the brake can be applied again as described above.

Dynamic braking as shown schematically in FIG. 8 may typically stop therotation of the drive coupling 150 with a variance of up to about 0°-15°of the targeted stop position, but this can vary even further whendifferent types of tissue are being cut and impeding rotation of thecutting member 145, and also depending on whether the physician hascompletely disengaged the cutting member from the tissue interface whenthe motor drive is de-activated. Therefore, dynamic braking alone maynot assure that the default or stop position is within a desiredvariance.

As background, the concept of dynamic braking is described in thefollowing literature:https://www.ab.com/support/abdrives/documentation/techpapers/RegenOverview01.pdfandhttp://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/wp/drives-wp004_-en-p.pdf.Basically, a dynamic braking system provides a chopper transistor on theDC bus of the AC PWM drive that feeds a power resistor that transformsthe regenerative electrical energy into heat energy. The heat energy isdissipated into the local environment. This process is generally calleddynamic braking with the chopper transistor and related control andcomponents called the chopper module and the power resistor called thedynamic brake resistor. The entire assembly of chopper module withdynamic brake resistor is sometimes referred to as the dynamic brakemodule. The dynamic brake resistor allows any magnetic energy stored inthe parasitic inductance of that circuit to be safely dissipated duringthe turn off of the chopper transistor.

The method is called dynamic braking because the amount of brakingtorque that can be applied is dynamically changing as the loaddecelerates. In other words, the braking energy is a function of thekinetic energy in the spinning mass and as it declines, so does thebraking capacity. So the faster it is spinning or the more inertia ithas, the harder you can apply the brakes to it, but as it slows, you runinto the law of diminishing returns and at some point, there is nolonger any braking power left.

In another aspect of the invention, a method has been developed toincrease the accuracy of the stopping mechanism which is a component ofthe positioning algorithm described above. It has been found that eachmagnet in a single-use probe may vary slightly from its specifiedstrength. As described above, the positioning algorithm uses the Halleffect sensor 245 to continuously monitor the field strength of magnets255 a and 255 b as the drive coupling 150 rotates and the algorithmdetermines the rotational position of the magnets and drive couplingbased on the field strength, with the field strength rising and fallingas a magnet rotates past the Hall sensor. Thus, it is important for thealgorithm to have a library of magnetic field strengths that accuratelycorrespond to degrees of rotation away from a peak Hall signal when amagnet is adjacent the sensor 245. For this reason, an initial step ofthe positioning algorithm includes a “learning” step that allow thecontroller to learn the actual field strength of the magnets 255 a and255 b which may vary from the specified strength. After a new single-useprobe 110 (FIG. 1) is coupled to the handpiece 104, and after actuationof the motor drive 105, the positioning algorithm will rotate the drivecoupling at least 180° and more often at least 360° while the Hallsensor 245 quantifies the field strength of the particular probe'smagnets 255 a and 255 b. The positioning algorithm then stores themaximum and minimum Hall signals (corresponding to North and Southpoles) and calibrates the library of field strengths that correspond tovarious degrees of rotation away from a Hall min-max signal positionwhen a magnet is adjacent the Hall sensor.

In general, a method of use relating to the learning algorithm comprisesproviding a handpiece with a motor drive, a controller, and a probe witha proximal hub configured for detachable coupling to the handpiece,wherein the motor drive is configured to couple to a rotating drivecoupling in the hub and wherein the drive coupling carries first andsecond magnets with North and South poles positioned differentlyrelative to said axis, and coupling the hub to the handpiece, activatingthe motor drive to thereby rotate the drive coupling and magnets atleast 180°, using a handpiece sensor to sense the strength of eachmagnet, and using the sensed strength of the magnets for calibration ina positioning algorithm that is responsive to the sensor sensing thevarying strength of the magnets in the rotating drive coupling tothereby increase accuracy in calculating the rotational position of thedrive coupling 150.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an enhanced method of useusing a probe working end with an electrode, such as the working end 112of FIGS. 1 and 3B. As described above, a positioning algorithm is usedto stop rotation of the electrode 155 in the default centerline positionof FIG. 3B. An additional “slight oscillation” algorithm is used toactivate the motor drive 105 contemporaneous with RF current to theelectrode 155, particularly an RF cutting waveform for tissues ablation.The slight oscillation thus provides for a form of oscillating RFablation. The slight oscillation algorithm rotates the electrode 155 inone direction to a predetermined degree of rotation, which thecontroller algorithms determine from the Hall position signals. Then,the algorithm reverses direction of the motor drive to rotate in theopposite direction until Hall position signals indicate that thepredetermined degree of rotation was achieved in the opposite directionaway from the electrode's default centerline position. The predetermineddegree of angular motion can be any suitable rotation that is suitablefor dimensions of the outer sleeve window, and in one variation is from1° to 30° in each direction away from the centerline default position.More often, the predetermined degree of angular motion is from 5° to 15°in each direction away from the centerline default. The slightoscillation algorithm can use any suitable PID controlled motor shaftspeed, and in one variation the motor shaft speed is from 50 RPM to5,000 RPM, and more often from 100 RPM to 1,000 RPM. Stated another way,the frequency of oscillation can be from 20 Hz to 2,000 Hz and typicallybetween 40 Hz and 400 Hz.

While the above description of the slight oscillation algorithm isprovided with reference to electrode 155 on a rotating cutting member145 of FIG. 3B, it should be appreciated that a reciprocating electrode212 as shown in the working end 200C of FIG. 6 end could also beactuated with slight oscillation. In other words, the hook shapeelectrode 212 of FIG. 6 could be provided with a frequency ofoscillation ranging from 20 Hz to 2,000 Hz and typically between 40 Hzand 400 Hz.

FIGS. 9A-9B are longitudinal sectional views of a probe hub 120′ thatcorresponds to the working end 200B of FIG. 5 which has a reciprocatingelectrode 210. In FIGS. 9A-9B, the handpiece 104 and Hall affect sensors240 and 245 are of course the same as described above as there is nochange in the handpiece 104 for different types of probes. The probe hub120′ of FIGS. 9A-9B is very similar to the hub 120 of FIGS. 2A-2B withthe first and second identification/orientation magnets 250 a and 250 bbeing the same. The third and fourth rotation al position magnets 255 aand 255 b also are the same and are carried by drive coupling 150′. Theprobe hub 120′ of FIGS. 9A-9B only differs in that the drive coupling150 rotates with a cam mechanism operatively coupled to inner sleeve142′ to convert rotational motion to linear motion to reciprocate theelectrode 210 in working end 200B of FIG. 5. A similar hub forconverting rotational motion to linear motion is provided for theworking ends 200C and 200D of FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, which eachhave a reciprocating component (212, 218) in its working end.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed above in detail, it will be understood that this descriptionis merely for purposes of illustration and the above description of theinvention is not exhaustive. Specific features of the invention areshown in some drawings and not in others, and this is for convenienceonly and any feature may be combined with another in accordance with theinvention. A number of variations and alternatives will be apparent toone having ordinary skills in the art. Such alternatives and variationsare intended to be included within the scope of the claims. Particularfeatures that are presented in dependent claims can be combined and fallwithin the scope of the invention. The invention also encompassesembodiments as if dependent claims were alternatively written in amultiple dependent claim format with reference to other independentclaims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof areshown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An arthroscopic system, comprising: a handpiecewith a motor drive; a probe with a proximal hub and elongate shaftextending about an axis to a working end, the hub configured fordetachable coupling to the handpiece, wherein the motor drive isconfigured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in the hub when thehub is coupled to the handpiece; and a first magnet component carried bythe hub; and a second magnet component coupled to rotate with therotating drive coupling.
 2. The arthroscopic system of claim 1, whereinthe hub is configured for detachable coupling to the handpiece inopposing rotational orientations to provide an upward-facing working endrelative to the handpiece and a downward-facing working end relative tothe handpiece.
 3. The arthroscopic system of claim 2, wherein said firstmagnet component comprises first and second independent magnets disposedin opposing sides of the hub spaced outwardly from said axis.
 4. Thearthroscopic system of claim 3, wherein said first and secondindependent magnets of said first magnet component have North poles inopposite orientations relative to said axis.
 5. The arthroscopic systemof claim 4, wherein said first and second independent magnets havesimilar magnetic field strengths.
 6. The arthroscopic system of claim 5,wherein the handpiece further comprises a first sensor configured forsensing a magnetic field of the first or second independent magnets whenlocated adjacent the first sensor and for generating a signal indicatingan upward-facing orientation or a downward-facing orientation of theworking end.
 7. The arthroscopic system of claim 6, wherein the firstsensor is further configured for generating a probe identificationsignal based on magnetic field strength which correlates probe type withdifferent magnetic field strengths.
 8. The arthroscopic system of claim2, wherein said second magnet component comprises third and fourthindependent magnets disposed in opposing sides of the rotating drivecoupling.
 9. The arthroscopic system of claim 8, wherein said third andfourth independent magnets of said second magnet component have Northpoles in opposite orientations relative to said axis.
 10. Thearthroscopic system of claim 9, wherein the handpiece further comprisesa second sensor carried configured for sensing a magnetic field of thethird or fourth independent magnet as it is in proximity to the secondsensor and for generating a signal indicating a rotational parameter ofthe rotating drive coupling.
 11. The arthroscopic system of claim 10,wherein the rotational parameter comprises a rotational position of thedrive coupling.
 12. The arthroscopic system of claim 10, wherein therotational parameter comprises a rotational speed of the drive couplingbased on said rotational position over a time interval.
 13. Thearthroscopic system of claim 1, wherein the second magnet component iscarried by the drive coupling in a fixed predetermined rotationalrelationship relative to a motor-driven component in the working end,wherein a particular orientation of the motor-driven component positionwithin the working end can be determined when stopped.
 14. Thearthroscopic system of claim 7, further comprising a controllerconfigured to receive the signals generated by the first sensor withinthe hub and to determine at least one of probe orientation and probeidentification.
 15. The arthroscopic system of claim 10, furthercomprising a controller configured to receive the signals generated bythe second sensor within the hub and to control the motor based uponsuch signals.
 16. A method in an arthroscopic procedure, comprising:providing a system including (1) a handpiece with a sensor and (2) aprobe with a proximal hub, a longitudinal axis, and a working end,wherein the hub carries first and second magnets having North and Southpoles; selectively coupling the hub of the probe to the handpiece withthe working end of the probe in either an upward orientation or adownward orientation, wherein the first magnet is proximate the sensorwhen the working end is in the upward orientation and the second magnetis proximate the sensor then the working end is in the downwardorientation; and sensing with the sensor a North pole or a South pole ofthe magnet proximate the sensor to identify whether the working end isin said upward or downward orientation.
 17. A method in as in claim 16,further comprising selecting a controller algorithm for operating theprobe based on the identified orientation of the working end.
 18. Amethod in an arthroscopic procedure, comprising: providing a systemincluding (1) a handpiece with a sensor and (2) a probe with a proximalhub, a longitudinal axis, and a working end, wherein the hub carriesfirst and second magnets of similar strengths having North and Southpoles; coupling the hub to the handpiece; and using a sensor in thehandpiece to sense a strength of either of the magnets in the hub tothereby identify the probe type based on the sensed strength.
 19. Amethod in as in claim 18, further comprising selecting an algorithm tocontrol the working end based on the identified probe type.
 20. A methodin an arthroscopic procedure, comprising: providing a system including(1) a handpiece with a motor drive and (2) a probe with a proximal hub,a longitudinal axis, a rotating drive coupling, and a working end,wherein the rotating drive coupling carries first and second magnetswith North and South poles positioned differently relative to said axis;attaching the hub to the handpiece to couple the motor drive to therotating drive coupling in the hub which actuates a motor-drivencomponent in the working end; activating the motor drive to rotate thedrive coupling and actuate the motor-driven component; sensing varyingmagnet parameters with a sensor in the handpiece as the drive couplingrotates and generating sensor signals; determining a rotational positionof the drive coupling and the corresponding position of the motor-drivencomponent using a positioning algorithm responsive to the sensorsignals; and de-activating the motor drive at a selected rotationalposition of the drive coupling; and dynamically braking the motor driveto thereby stop rotation of the drive coupling and stop movement themotor-driven component in a selected stop position.
 21. A method in anarthroscopic procedure, comprising: providing a system including (1)handpiece with a motor drive and (2) a probe with a proximal hub andelongate shaft extending about an axis to a working end, the hubconfigured for detachable coupling to the handpiece, wherein the motordrive is configured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in the huband wherein the drive coupling carries first and second magnets withNorth and South poles positioned differently relative to said axis;coupling the hub to the handpiece; activating the motor drive to rotatethe drive coupling and magnets at least 180°; sensing the varyingstrength of each magnet with a sensor in handpiece sensor as the drivecoupling rotates; and calibrating a rotational position of the drivecoupling responsive to the varying strength of each magnet to therebyincrease accuracy in calculating the sensed strength of the magnets. 22.A method in an arthroscopic procedure, comprising: providing a handpiecewith a motor drive, and a probe with a proximal hub and elongate shaftextending about an axis to a working end having a motor-driven componentthat includes an RF electrode, the hub configured for detachablecoupling to the handpiece, wherein the motor drive is configured tocouple to a rotating drive coupling in the hub, and wherein the rotatingdrive coupling carries first and second magnets with North and Southpoles positioned differently relative to said axis; coupling the hub tothe handpiece; positioning the drive coupling and motor-driven componentin a selected stop position; introducing the RF electrode into aninterface with tissue; delivering RF current to the RF electrode; andusing a positioning algorithm responsive to sensor signals tocontinuously monitor the rotational position of the drive coupling andcorresponding position of the motor-driven component and RF electrodeduring the step of delivering RF current.
 23. The method of claim 22,further comprising: if the positioning algorithm senses rotation of thedrive coupling greater than a predetermined amount, terminating deliveryof RF current to the RF electrode.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising: activating the motor drive to move drive coupling and themotor-driven component and RF electrode back to the selected stopposition.
 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising: re-startingdelivery of RF current to the RF electrode.
 26. A method in anarthroscopic procedure, comprising: providing a handpiece with a motordrive, and a probe with a proximal hub and elongate shaft extendingabout an axis to a working end having a motor-driven component thatincludes an RF electrode, the hub configured for detachable coupling tothe handpiece, wherein the motor drive is configured to couple to arotating drive coupling in the hub, and wherein the rotating drivecoupling carries first and second magnets with North and South polespositioned differently relative to said axis; coupling the hub to thehandpiece; positioning the drive coupling and motor-driven component ina selected stop position; introducing the RF electrode into an interfacewith tissue; delivering RF current to the RF electrode; and using apositioning algorithm responsive to sensor signals indicating therotational position of the drive coupling to oscillate the RF electrodeat a rate ranging from 20 Hz to 2,000 Hz.
 27. The method of claim 26,further wherein the positioning algorithm oscillates the RF electrode ata rate ranging from 40 Hz to 400 Hz.
 28. A method for providinginformation from a surgical probe to a controller, said methodcomprising: attaching a hub of the probe to a handpiece connected to thecontroller, wherein the hub carries indicia; reading a first set ofindicia on the hub using a first sensor on the handpiece and sending afirst set of data to the controller; and reading a second set of indiciaon the hub using a second sensor on the handpiece and sending a secondset of data to the controller; wherein the first set of data includes atleast one of probe identification information and probe orientationinformation; and wherein the second set of data includes at least probeoperational information.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the firstset of indicia comprise magnets.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein thefirst set of indicia comprise magnets.
 31. The method of claim 28,wherein the first set of indicia comprise optical encoding.
 32. Themethod of claim 31, wherein the optical encoding comprises a scannablecode including said at least one of probe identification information andprobe orientation information which can be read when the code is staticrelative to the handpiece.
 33. The method of claim 28, wherein thesecond set of indicia comprise optical encoding configured to be read bya scannable code reader.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the opticalencoding comprises markings on a rotatable component of the hub, whereinat least the probe operational information is configured to read fromthe markings as the rotatable component dynamically rotates.